Wooden flooring, special diet to keep zoo animals warm

NEW DELHI: As Delhiites take out their woollens with the onset of winter, officials at Delhi zoo are doing likewise. But, keeping animals snug in their enclosures may not be as simple a task.

"We have started placing wooden platforms on the floor of the cages. Wooden flooring helps in maintaining warmth," said zoo curator Riyaz Ahmad Khan. "As the temperature drops further, we will provide heaters and cover enclosures with jute to block cold winds," added Khan.

It is not just enclosures that are being worked upon, zoo officials are also altering the feed to suit winter needs. "The meat given to carnivores has been increased by 1kg. Tigers and lions are now being given 12kg of meat. Jaguars are being fed 7kg," said Khan. Herbivores like hippos and deer will get 50g of raw Indian gooseberry in addition to their normal feed. "They will also get vitamin C supplements," said the curator.

The bear will get their favourite food — honey on bread pieces — whereas birds will be provided Sun Seed.

"The arrangements will continue till November-end. The zoo timings have been changed from October 16. The zoo now shuts down half an hour earlier at 4pm," said Khan.